Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 07-12-03

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - OIC - RESOLUTIONS

[02] EU - CYPRUS - FMD - LIFT OF RESTRICTIONS

[03] GREEK PRESIDENT - TURKEY - CYPRUS

[01] CYPRUS PRESIDENT - OIC - RESOLUTIONS

Receiving the credentials of the new High Commissioner of the Republic of Pakistan, based in Beirut, Nawabzada Aminullah Khan Raisani, Papadopoulos highlighted the deplorable turn of events with regard to the Cyprus problem, within the OIC, of which Pakistan is an important member.

The adoption of unacceptable resolutions on Cyprus, which are blatantly contrary to binding Security Council Resolutions of the United Nations (notably, Resolutions 541 and 550), and the constant encouragement of member states to increase cooperation in all fields with the illegal secessionist entity in the occupied areas constitute flagrant violation of international and European law and are counter-productive to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, Papadopoulos noted.

He said that despite their geographical distance, Cyprus and Pakistan are witnessing a steadfast increase in people-to-people contacts, noting that a tangible proof of this is the presence in Cyprus of a considerable number of Pakistani citizens, who diligently work or study in institutes of higher education.

Maritime transport, he noted, is a promising area of such cooperation and said he looks forward to the completion of the ratification process by Pakistan so that the first ever bilateral agreement on Merchant Shipping can come into force.

He noted that Cyprus considers relations of Pakistan with the European Union as essential in the overall approach of the Union towards Central and South Asia and supports in earnest the strengthening of these relations.

Furthermore he noted that Cyprus strongly supports a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan which would be able to contribute substantially to peace, stability and security in and beyond South and Central Asia.

Believing that each country and its leadership knows best what is in its best long-term interests, we are certain that the government, the political leadership and the people of Pakistan, will find the best solution and course for the country, while fully respecting the principles of democracy and respect of human rights, he added.

Presenting his credentials, the new High Commissioner of Pakistan said that bilateral cooperation and understanding between Pakistan and Cyprus are based on common goals and aspirations.

We are also linked together in various international organisations as well as strong bonds of friendship and fraternity. With new avenues in the context of Cyprus-EU-Pakistan relations, there will be many more opportunities to further strengthen this bond, he added.

[02] EU - CYPRUS - FMD - LIFT OF RESTRICTIONS

A press release issued by the Committee said that under the Decision agreed, pig-meat will be allowed to be dispatched from all of Cyprus apart from a 10km zone around the outbreak area, subject to stringent animal health conditions.

This is because pigs are raised separately and under different conditions to ruminants and are considered to be less susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease. The conditions for dispatch include a 30 day pre-slaughter standstill for pigs used to produce the meat, with no new susceptible livestock introduced to the holding for 21 days prior to slaughter.

[03] GREEK PRESIDENT - TURKEY - CYPRUS

Papoulias made the statement after talks with visiting Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak, during which he outlined Greeces positions on the Cyprus issue, which he described as an important international issue which concerns an EU member state.

I would like to believe that Turkey will realise that its EU course and stability in the wider region demand an end to the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus and call for the application of international law as well as Security Council resolutions,`` the Greek President said.

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